BIRMINGHAM'S Dan Evans admits it's hard to stay focused on tennis when his friends are spending their weekend's partying.

Lawn Tennis Association officials have adopted a ruthless policy in clamping down on bad behaviour among their junior players.

Marcus Willis was sent home from the Australian Open for arguing with coaches while promising teens Naomi Broady and David Rice had their funding cut for boasting of wild parties on social networking sites.

Tee-totaller Andy Murray and ex-British number one Tim Henman have both been critical of some junior players - claiming they lack the work ethic to succeed.

But Evans - who booked his place in the boy's singles second round with 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Thailand's Peerakit

Sirbutwong yesterday - believes they should be cut some slack.

"I love waking up in the morning and playing tennis but I like going out with my mates and having a good time as well," he said.

"My mates in Birmingham live for the weekend. They've got jobs they don't enjoy, some are working as labourers, and they love to let their hair down and I can't blame them.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't go out sometimes, it's about getting the balance right and remembering you are also a professional sportsman as well.

"If I work as hard as I can I know I'll be a top 100 player and better but you need a life outside tennis."

Evans - who admitted he could have played better yesterday, despite beating the 12th seed - will graduate from junior ranks this year.

He is now ranked just inside the world's top 1,000 for seniors, and was recently awarded a wildcard for the Artois Championships at Queen's, his first ATP Tour tournament.

"I'm a little disappointed but that's how I set my standards," he added.

"Although he was seeded, I thought it was probably the best draw I could have got. My forehand was causing me some problems and it's something I need to work on."

Evans also revealed he'll quit the UK Futures Tour in a bid to test himself against better players.

"The problem with the UK is you see the same faces at every tournament," he said.

"Some of them will never make it now and aren't really professionals, it's bad they are still there really.

"I'm going to sit down with my coaches and look at my schedule. I'd like to play a few matches abroad for a bit of a change of scene." n NATIONAL School Sport Week is a government initiative managed by the Youth Sport Trust and supported by Norwich Union with the aim to engage over three million children in sport, which kicks off tomorrow. ..SUPL: